Boys Town South Florida

Hundreds of Volunteers Feed South Florida Families through Annual Basket Brigade

One by one, hundreds of volunteers filled bags with bread, stuffing, bananas, turkey and trimmings. Their efforts were all part of Boys Town South Florida's annual Basket Brigade Nov. 18.

"Our volunteers are here to make a difference and provide a plentiful Thanksgiving for our local families in need," said Amy Simpson, Boys Town South Florida Site Director.

The Basket Brigade, sponsored in conjunction with the Anthony Robbins Foundation, assembles and delivers Thanksgiving food baskets to needy children and families. More than 140 families received the gifts of food this year, each including a note stating: "This gift comes from someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able to do this for someone else someday."

"We're here working towards creating healthy families and healthy homes for children," said Simpson. "We should all take this time to bring our families together and give thanks for the goodness in our lives." The Basket Brigade is held in honor of National Family Week, Nov. 19-25, 2006, emphasizing the connections that support and strengthen families.

Last year, more than 100 families recovering from Hurricane Wilma received a complete Thanksgiving dinner through the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade. Efforts in previous years assisted more than 120 families at a time, representing more than 1,200 people annually.

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